"Poetry is the silent voice that is heard everywhere inside of us..."-Unknown
A Collection of Poems by: Nia Berry
An Ode to Music
Even though you can be loud
and have a different effect on every crowd
you push me to the edge
always there but clearing my head
convincing me on stage with your sly talk
putting my body in a transit sleep-walk
movement steadily caused by you influence on me
when i say i need space
your sound continues to follow and flow through me
The Dream Sonnet
believe that you can be unforgettable
do not even try to skip out on life
make your every living move memorable
try to make the most of your life to night
there is never a need to try and lie
do not stop for anything, you should just go
spread your wings even if you do not fly
for what you say and do, some do not know
reach for the high stars and the goals you see
succeed and you will have a brighter day
try your hardest,show all that you can be
be happy that you finally made your way
when you feel alone and out of your scene
just remember to follow your dream
My first Memory of Fashion
A rainbow made of silk
personalized each for only one
listening for shutters clicks
and ohs' and ahhs'
like the warmth of spot lights
touching your entire body
enhancing each taste bud on your tongue
with its multiply flavors
an inhale of perfection
as you catch your breath
in its amazement
About My Poetic Style
Most of my poetic works are descriptive and use personification. I enjoy using personification to describe emotions and the 5 senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and texture. I also use personal events and feelings to bring depth and sincerity into my poetic work. My poems are directed to girl population for empowerment. My poems inspire and hopefully give those who read, insight on an unfamiliar topic. The Dream Sonnet was made to inspire girls to follow there dreams even in a hard time in which it seems as if they are out of place. Its important to let one's talent be shown and experienced.
A Collection of Poems by:Nikki Giovanni
Kidnap Poem
Ever been kidnapped
by a poet
if i were a poet
i'd kidnap you
put you in my phrases and meter
You to jones beach
or maybe coney island
or maybe just to my house
lyric you in lilacs
dash you in the rain
blend into the beach
to complement my see
Play the lyre for you
ode you with my love song
anything to win you
wrap you in the red Black green
show you off to mama
yeah if i were a poet i'd kid
nap you
Analysis:
Possum Crossing
Backing out the driveway
the car lights cast an eerie glow
in the morning fog centering
on movement in the rain slick street
Hitting brakes I anticipate a squirrel or a cat or sometimes
a little raccoon
I once braked for a blind little mole who try though he did
could not escape the cat toying with his life
Mother-to-be possum occasionally lopes home . . . being
naturally . . . slow her condition makes her even more ginger
We need a sign POSSUM CROSSING to warn coffee-gurgling neighbors:
we share the streets with more than trucks and vans and
railroad crossings
All birds being the living kin of dinosaurs
think themselves invincible and pay no heed
to the rolling wheels while they dine
on an unlucky rabbit
I hit brakes for the flutter of the lights hoping it's not a deer
or a skunk or a groundhog
coffee splashes over the cup which I quickly put away from me
and into the empty passenger seat
I look . . .
relieved and exasperated ...
to discover I have just missed a big wet leaf
struggling . . . to lift itself into the wind
and live
Analysis:
This poem touches on aspects of struggle and survival.It demonstrates cleary,Nikki Giovanni's actions on helping a life. In the last stanza, the poem says that,"I look . . .relieved and exasperated ...to discover I have just missed a big wet leaf struggling . . . to lift itself into the wind and live". Nikki expresses her love for living and her admiration of those in a struggle trying to push forward and live. Nikki Being a lung cancer survivor herself really gives this poem a reason and background history and personal touch.
Quilts
Like a fading piece of cloth
I am a failure
No longer do I cover tables filled with food and laughter
My seams are frayed my hems falling my strength no longer able
To hold the hot and cold
I wish for those first days
When just woven I could keep water
From seeping through
Repelled stains with the tightness of my weave
Dazzled the sunlight with my
Reflection
I grow old though pleased with my memories
The tasks I can no longer complete
Are balanced by the love of the tasks gone past
I offer no apology only
this plea:
When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end
Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt
That I might keep some child warm
And some old person with no one else to talk to
Will hear my whispers
"Poetry is the silent voice that is heard everywhere inside of us..."-Unknown
A Collection of Poems by: Nia Berry
An Ode to Music
Even though you can be loud
and have a different effect on every crowd
you push me to the edge
always there but clearing my head
convincing me on stage with your sly talk
putting my body in a transit sleep-walk
movement steadily caused by you influence on me
when i say i need space
your sound continues to follow and flow through me
The Dream Sonnet
believe that you can be unforgettable
do not even try to skip out on life
make your every living move memorable
try to make the most of your life to night
there is never a need to try and lie
do not stop for anything, you should just go
spread your wings even if you do not fly
for what you say and do, some do not know
reach for the high stars and the goals you see
succeed and you will have a brighter day
try your hardest,show all that you can be
be happy that you finally made your way
when you feel alone and out of your scene
just remember to follow your dream
My first Memory of Fashion
A rainbow made of silk
personalized each for only one
listening for shutters clicks
and ohs' and ahhs'
like the warmth of spot lights
touching your entire body
enhancing each taste bud on your tongue
with its multiply flavors
an inhale of perfection
as you catch your breath
in its amazement
About My Poetic Style
Most of my poetic works are descriptive and use personification. I enjoy using personification to describe emotions and the 5 senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and texture. I also use personal events and feelings to bring depth and sincerity into my poetic work. My poems are directed to girl population for empowerment. My poems inspire and hopefully give those who read, insight on an unfamiliar topic. The Dream Sonnet was made to inspire girls to follow there dreams even in a hard time in which it seems as if they are out of place. Its important to let one's talent be shown and experienced.A Collection of Poems by:Nikki Giovanni
Kidnap Poem
Ever been kidnapped
by a poet
if i were a poet
i'd kidnap you
put you in my phrases and meter
You to jones beach
or maybe coney island
or maybe just to my house
lyric you in lilacs
dash you in the rain
blend into the beach
to complement my see
Play the lyre for you
ode you with my love song
anything to win you
wrap you in the red Black green
show you off to mama
yeah if i were a poet i'd kid
nap you
Analysis:
Possum Crossing
Backing out the driveway
the car lights cast an eerie glow
in the morning fog centering
on movement in the rain slick street
Hitting brakes I anticipate a squirrel or a cat or sometimes
a little raccoon
I once braked for a blind little mole who try though he did
could not escape the cat toying with his life
Mother-to-be possum occasionally lopes home . . . being
naturally . . . slow her condition makes her even more ginger
We need a sign POSSUM CROSSING to warn coffee-gurgling neighbors:
we share the streets with more than trucks and vans and
railroad crossings
All birds being the living kin of dinosaurs
think themselves invincible and pay no heed
to the rolling wheels while they dine
on an unlucky rabbit
I hit brakes for the flutter of the lights hoping it's not a deer
or a skunk or a groundhog
coffee splashes over the cup which I quickly put away from me
and into the empty passenger seat
I look . . .
relieved and exasperated ...
to discover I have just missed a big wet leaf
struggling . . . to lift itself into the wind
and live
Analysis:
This poem touches on aspects of struggle and survival.It demonstrates cleary,Nikki Giovanni's actions on helping a life. In the last stanza, the poem says that,"I look . . .relieved and exasperated ...to discover I have just missed a big wet leaf struggling . . . to lift itself into the wind and live". Nikki expresses her love for living and her admiration of those in a struggle trying to push forward and live. Nikki Being a lung cancer survivor herself really gives this poem a reason and background history and personal touch.
Quilts
Like a fading piece of cloth
I am a failure
No longer do I cover tables filled with food and laughter
My seams are frayed my hems falling my strength no longer able
To hold the hot and cold
I wish for those first days
When just woven I could keep water
From seeping through
Repelled stains with the tightness of my weave
Dazzled the sunlight with my
Reflection
I grow old though pleased with my memories
The tasks I can no longer complete
Are balanced by the love of the tasks gone past
I offer no apology only
this plea:
When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end
Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt
That I might keep some child warm
And some old person with no one else to talk to
Will hear my whispers
And cuddle
near
Analysis: